Betsy's Best: Not Satisfied With Big-Brand Peanut Butters, One Florida Mom Started Her Own

When it comes to healthy eating, the Jifs and Skippys of the world don't exactly make the cut. Sure, peanut butter is touted as a good-for-you snack, but read the labels and you'll quickly realize that most of the major brands are loaded with sugar, hydrogenated oils, and other additives.

Enter Betsy's Best, a new, Florida-founded brand of nut and seed butters that cuts the crap. Created by dietitian and personal trainer Betsy Opyt (after her kid wouldn't eat any other peanut butter brand), the peanut, almond, and sunflower butters launch online today and are hitting Whole Foods statewide by the end of the month.

The recipes for the sweet-and-salty spreads were whipped up by Opyt herself. They're non-GMO, all-natural, and gluten-free.

"I selected high-quality ingredients based on their nutritional profile such as chia seeds and Himalayan salt and paired them with the delicious flavor of cinnamon and honey," says Opyt. "My goal was to not compromise taste while creating a natural nut butter that also maintained a healthy profile."

As a dietitian, Opyt has expertise in what ingredients are best for our bods.

"I could go on forever about the benefits of chia seeds, and it is my favorite functional food. It goes in everything I make! Chia is a wonderful source of soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium. Himalayan sea salt is rich in minerals and helps regulate water balance throughout the body. Cinnamon and honey, actually paired together, offer more health benefits than consumed alone. The dynamic duo are powerful antioxidants, fighting free radical damage and boosting the immune system," Opyt explains.

So how do you incorporate these butters into a healthy diet (besides on bread, with jam, of course)?

"Honestly I have found that there are very few things that don't pair well with my nut and seed butters. Just straight on a spoon is good enough for me," says Opyt. "Some of my unique combinations are a spoonful in my yogurt or oatmeal for added protein and a delicious cinnamon flavor."

Or in a smoothie, as a dressing, or even as a fruit and veggie dip at parties, she offers. Some people even add a spoonful to their coffee. And this recipe for Peanutty Asian Lettuce Wraps sounds seriously scrumptious.

You can snag Betsy's Best products online as of today, or find them at Whole Foods at the end of the month.